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The Spa Bridlington, Yorkshire: Impact on Entertainment

How WW1 changed our musical tastes and how music evolved

The Spa Bridlington is one place where the impact of WW1 made its mark on the entertainment industry of Britain. In 1915, with the aftermath of anti-German riots; the council run Spa considered reducing the performances of its hugely popular European performers as the musical tastes of the country were changing, with audiences demanding a more patriotic form of entertainment.

One performer under threat was Austrian-born Herr Julian Kandt and his famous band. His popularity with the audience eventually saved him and Kandt remained a resident musician at The Spa Bridlington from 1914 until illness stopped him performing in 1917.

Incredibly, even with a drop in audiences, the spa remained open for business throughout both World Wars, offering a full programme.

Today the view outside the theatre at The Spa Bridlington is still much like that seen 100 years ago, where promenade passers-by would have enjoyed the sounds of Kandt under an arched arcade of glass that overlooked the Bridlington coastline.

Location: The Spa Bridlington, South Marine Drive, Bridlington East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 3JH
Image: Courtesy of Bridlington Local Studies Library

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11 minutes

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